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This is the fifth annual issuance in what has become known as the Pebble Beach series. Formally, Franklin Mint calls it "The 2000 Special Event Limited Edition Ford Model A Tudor". As the Certificate of Authenticity states, the model commemorates both 2000 events where the model first becomes available; the August 16-20, 2000 Pebble Beach Concours D'Elegance and the Franklin Mint Auto Festival held September 10, 2000. Befitting the FM Auto Festival theme, "Millennium Milestones", the Model A was an instant success, filling the big shoes of the Model T that it so aptly replaced.
Essentially a repaint of the standard tu-tone green and black Tudor, this color combination is much more conservative. The color combination is one more likely to have been seen in 1930. Fundamentally a black automobile, the center bodywork boasts a deep blue paint job. The effect is soft, subtle and at once, elegant. For contrast, the car uses a bright red-orange body accent stripe and follows up with sharply photoetched wire wheels of the same color.Unfortunately FM neglected to re-color code the interior. This blue version still carries remnants of the green car. The dashboard is green and so are the top edges of the door panels and the rear window ledges.
Of course the same detail features apply as on the standard version, from the sterling silver hood ornament to the miniature map and fedora. Additionally for the limited edition, FM includes a period picnic basket and blanket, complete with a perfectly scaled bottle of what surely must be the finest red wine available in 1930. Whether you are a collector of the PB series or not, this is an extremely attractive little replica, worthy of inclusion in any collection. The issue price is $135. (08/30/2000)
(09/15/2000)
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